Donegal County Council has welcomed the announcement that once again the county has joint highest number of Blue Flags in the country.
An Taisce announced that 12 beaches and 2 marinas in the county are receiving Blue Flags.
These international awards recognise excellent bathing water quality and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.
Beaches in Donegal which received Blue Flags are Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Portnoo/Narin, An Charraig Fhinn (Carrickfinn), Trá na Cille (Killahoey), Marblehill, Na Dúnaibh (Downings), Portsalon, Culdaff, Stroove, in addition to marinas at Greencastle and Rathmullan.
In addition, beaches at An Dumhaigh (Dooey), Machaire Rabhartaigh (Magheroarty), Droin na Tine (Drumatinney) and Baile Thiarnáin (Ballyheirnan) have all received Green Coast awards in 2021.
THe council has revealed that Beach Lifeguards will be in place earlier this year than ever before as we look forward to welcoming visitors to our world class beaches this summer.
Lifeguards will be in place all summer from 1st June on Bundoran and Rossnowlagh beaches between 11am and 7pm. Lifeguards will also be in place at weekends in June and for all of July and August on beaches at Murvagh, Fintra, Portnoo/Narin, An Charraig Fhinn (Carrickfinn), Trá na Cille (Killahoey), Marblehill, Na Dúnaibh (Downings), Portsalon, Rathmullan, Culdaff and Stroove. Lifeguards will be on duty on these beaches from 12pm to 6:30pm during these days.
Donegal County Council is encouraging the public to enjoy our award winning beaches in a safe and sustainable manner. It is important to be mindful of the ongoing need to respect social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette in relation to COVID-19.
Sunset at Marble Hill, a Blue Flag beach.
Beach users are also reminded to take care in or on the water and take note of water safety precautions. The public are also asked to leave no trace on our beaches, other than footsteps. If bins are provided dispose of your waste in a bin otherwise, please take your waste with you to dispose of it in a responsible manner.
In welcoming the announcement Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John McLaughlin acknowledged that it is extremely important for the county that it receives this international recognition for our beaches and he underlined the role that they play in the county’s economy.
He commended the role played by local communities working alongside Donegal County Council in ensuring that the county secured these awards. Donegal’s world class beaches along with its spectacular scenery and friendly welcome make it a great place to live, work and visit.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Rena Donaghey is also delighted with the announcement noting that for the second year in a row that Donegal has secured 14 Blue Flags and 4 Green Coast Awards. She said that she is looking forward to seeing both visitors to the county and the Donegal public enjoying our beaches this summer as well as all the other fabulous amenities that Donegal has to offer.
